Topic: V-ROD PIPES (Read 18114 times)

Pufahl · « **on:** July 26, 2009, 08:59:30 AM »

Ok....had the 2009 V-ROD Muscle since Jan and it is time to get rid of the OEM exhaust. Would like something that will make it sound more like the traditional HD sound. I have been on You Tube listening to sound bites of some who have changed their pipes. Looking seriously at the slip-on Tabs or V&H slip-ons.

Gettinold · « **Reply #1 on:** July 26, 2009, 09:04:07 AM »

Puff
You will never get that V Rod To sound that good. I went with VH Power Shots on mine and when you get it spooled up ... it talks.

Pufahl · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2009, 11:08:13 PM »

Looking for anyone that has a 2009 V-ROD Muscle and has replced the OEM pipes. Would like to know any lessons learned and what the performance difference was. If you have any dyno data that would be nice as well. I'm looking at 3 different after market pipes and plan to make a decision in the next few days. Also, I plan to get my headers treated at Jet Hot if I buy slip-on pipes.

Your thoughts....

Gettinold · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2009, 09:11:59 AM »

Puf
What are your 3 picks.

Do you have a picture of your bike. Like Chip says ... work with me here.

lilbear · « **Reply #4 on:** July 29, 2009, 12:29:07 PM »

Pufahl,

I don't know if you are striving to keep that present look of dual pipes that the Muscle has, but I went with the Rinehart 2-1 system on my SEVRod and really like the sound and performance that it offers. At idle, it sounds like a Harley. At 4K and above, it screams an entirely different tune. To some, it's almost obnoxious and to the rest it is obnoxious. Don't have the dyno sheet with me, but just had it re-tuned last week and the numbers were very impressive. 121.5HP and 89TQ.

Busterbrown · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2009, 10:24:04 PM »

I also have a 2009 V-ROD Muscle. I replaced the stock exhaust with Tab Competition slip ons at about 50 kms. I kept them on for a month then changed to the Vance and Hines 2-1 Competition pipe. The Tabs were nice and kept the stock lines of the bike. They are however fairly loud. The Vance and Hines makes more power and a little deeper sound. I also like the looks of the 2-1. I got the black ceramic and they look great. I will sell you my Tabs cheap if you want em

Pufahl · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2009, 08:31:22 AM »

I bought mine about 3 weeks ago. How much do u want for them? You can email me at dalepufahl@aol.com.

CVOStreetglide · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2009, 01:22:34 PM »

Quote from: Pufahl on July 26, 2009, 08:59:30 AM

Ok....had the 2009 V-ROD Muscle since Jan and it is time to get rid of the OEM exhaust. Would like something that will make it sound more like the traditional HD sound. I have been on You Tube listening to sound bites of some who have changed their pipes. Looking seriously at the slip-on Tabs or V&H slip-ons.

Replace the headers with a "A" model set and the Cary Faas 2 into 1 pipe. It does a GREAT JOB!!!!

RioGlide · « **Reply #8 on:** June 02, 2010, 06:02:26 PM »

I have a Thunderheader on my DX. I love it

But think "big block Chevy" instead of "potato potato"

For a dozen different well-documented reasons, you're never going to get that airhead sound on a Vrod

Chains · « **Reply #9 on:** October 26, 2010, 10:36:05 PM »

Supertrapp 2 into 1, great sound more like a big block though when wound up, not the traditional HD sound

Thundering6 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 12, 2011, 11:00:33 PM »

I have the Vance & Hines "Competition Series" on my 07 X and wouldn't trade them for anything.They still make power and according to the dealer who did the install were the first set of aftermarket pipes they installed on a V-rod that didn't loose power.They are loud and may be a bit much for some people but when you really twist the grip hard it really has the bark you will not forget,nor will anyone around you,LOL.Excuse the dirt on my ride but here is a side shot showing the Competition Series on my ride.......Andy

P.S.-My sweetie always complained about how quiet my ride was as she could never hear me coming over her Street Sweeper Equipped Dyna.Now when we ride togetherI can not hear her Dyna at all and she will NOT ride on the right side of me at all.

Jock · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2011, 07:54:11 PM »

Quote from: Thundering6 on January 12, 2011, 11:00:33 PM

P.S.-My sweetie always complained about how quiet my ride was as she could never hear me coming over her Street Sweeper Equipped Dyna.Now when we ride togetherI can not hear her Dyna at all and she will NOT ride on the right side of me at all.

Gosh with those pipes...What did you say?

CVOStreetglide · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2011, 08:10:14 PM »

Quote from: Thundering6 on January 12, 2011, 11:00:33 PM

I have the Vance & Hines "Competition Series" on my 07 X and wouldn't trade them for anything.They still make power and according to the dealer who did the install were the first set of aftermarket pipes they installed on a V-rod that didn't loose power.They are loud and may be a bit much for some people but when you really twist the grip hard it really has the bark you will not forget,nor will anyone around you,LOL.Excuse the dirt on my ride but here is a side shot showing the Competition Series on my ride.......Andy

P.S.-My sweetie always complained about how quiet my ride was as she could never hear me coming over her Street Sweeper Equipped Dyna.Now when we ride togetherI can not hear her Dyna at all and she will NOT ride on the right side of me at all.

You need to add some fuel that thing is running real lean......

Thundering6 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2011, 02:42:06 PM »

I though the same thing about it being lean but the AFR from all the dyno runs shows differently.

I am going to add the PC LCD display and their Wideband Commander to the bike this spring(its actually here now waiting for the cold to break)to try and watch the AR in real time and do some data logging on it.

I have seen 3 sets of these pipes on V-Rods locally here and they all have done the same thing colorwise.Remember they are not chromed the pipe is just a brushed T409 stainless which tend to discolor quickly.I wish for the cash layout from V&H for the pipe it would have been coated or chromed.

CVOStreetglide · « **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2011, 08:40:54 PM »

Quote from: Thundering6 on January 23, 2011, 02:42:06 PM

I though the same thing about it being lean but the AFR from all the dyno runs shows differently.

I am going to add the PC LCD display and their Wideband Commander to the bike this spring(its actually here now waiting for the cold to break)to try and watch the AR in real time and do some data logging on it.

I have seen 3 sets of these pipes on V-Rods locally here and they all have done the same thing colorwise.Remember they are not chromed the pipe is just a brushed T409 stainless which tend to discolor quickly.I wish for the cash layout from V&H for the pipe it would have been coated or chromed.

Yea. i'm referencing the first 2" out of the heads. It's too lean somewhere where you like to ride.

Discoloration is one thing but black and dark blue is quite another.....

BTW: Those are nice pipes!

th AFR monotors will help you zero in on the lean area quickly.

What is the AFR?

Thundering6 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 24, 2011, 08:08:49 AM »

AFR rides right along the 13.2 range off of the last dyno run.When I first got the bike back from the local dealership it ran like crap and made crap for power.Always rippping and snorting while decelerating and just would not be happy at speeds less than 70mph.It has been strapped down at least a dozen times since then with another dealer and its about as close as one can be for now.I am also considering a different module than the PCIII.
We still have one area around 4300-4700 where its a tad lean yet but I am not sure just how much of this is related to the restrictive air box and lack of air flow.
The blueing in the pipes could be both a lean or a rich condition as I have seen both in other applications.Too lean and they blue and too rich and they blue from the exhaust charge still igniting in the pipe itself.
I have searching for a better airbox as I am not a fan of how little cold air this bike sees.One would have thought after all those years of carbs and the new fuel injection hanging on the outside of their bikes that Harley and Porsche would have found a better way to force feed some air into this motor.I am surprised that no one has come up with a better air intake system to incorporate the front lower radiator feeds where the air is jammed into.
I am a new owner and still learning but what I have learned so far is there is more in this bike but to do that I feel more air is needed......Andy

On Edit...
It would be nice to find one local shop to me that has a better idea of tuning the PC instead of having to fly blind and do it myself.One would have thought that when you pick the bike up at a dealership they would have some kind of idea of how to tune the bike instead of the blind squirrel theory.

CVOStreetglide · « **Reply #16 on:** January 24, 2011, 01:05:07 PM »

The Power Commander is a great tuner.

They have maps up on their web site for your configuration.

I would look at the map they have and see what is different from your map.

As far as more air is concerned, if you don't already have one, get a K&N air filter.

From what you have mentioned, I suspect you need to add fuel in that rough spot-- 2% initially in the cell just before the lean condition and through it. Then go for a ride. If it has changed, then you are moving in the right direction.

You have a great exhaust so I wouldn't change it. Once you have the performance issue resolved, there are blue removers that will make it look much better.

If you are still hungry for power, you can get some cams and a larger throttlebody. From there is big bore, stroker and turbos. It's just money.

Thundering6 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 24, 2011, 03:36:22 PM »

I do not have the K&N filter in it yet as the dealer who did the work used the SE filter which is a dry filter.However,I do have one on the way as we speak and it will go in next and see what happens with that as I know that huge differences in restriction come with air filters.

PC has no map listed on their website specifically for the V&H Competition(or Indy as they were once called)Pipe and the one that the dealer used was from the V&H website.We have built off of that and its a work in progress and I agree the rough spots need addressed.As soon as the weather breaks a bit where I can get it back to the dyno I am going to have it re-strapped and have some work done on the rough areas.The bike is fairly stout with what I have had done and its best run was 120hp and 80Tq which I feel is good for stock parts.I do know some dyno's can be a tad generous with their numbers but surprisingly I have had it strapped at 4 different places with the numbers all being comparable.I'd like to see the torque come up some but know its going to take more work internally and until I find another ride I do not want to tear this one down,so tuning we will go

I LOVE this exhaust and the sound and of all the aftermarket pipes I have heard on V-Rod's but this one has a sound that far better than the rest IMO.I may pull it off and send it out to be coated as I seen one recently that was done and it looked really sweet.As for the added power,I would like to stroke it some but haven't decided if that the way to go or not.The old saying is"There is no replacement for displacement" and yet while I really want to I am not sure if doing this motor or a different one would be the better option.Different wheels are next on the list and I hope to have that figured out before Springtime.....

garya1 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 15, 2015, 08:43:59 PM »

I have a2002 Vrod 1130. I originally put superrtrap 2inti1 with about 18 disks. Ran great sound medium until you really wound it up. TQ was mid /high 80s and hp was 112.

In 20011, I added a raod rod kit and a Trask tubo with Trask turbo pistons. Crazy now and LOAD PIPE due to turbo routing. Very fun to Ride.

smkblwr · « **Reply #19 on:** March 16, 2015, 06:55:39 AM »

I have a 2012 NRS, 118hp 83ft/lbs."normal numbers for the 1250cc with a pipe" with the tab slip ons and inclosed air box, TTS tuner. I liked the tab's, they had a good sound and look. you can pick up 1or2 HP with the topless mod but you get some throttle body noise. I am a 2-1 exhaust guy and stumbled across a D&D pipe, haven't had it on the dyno but seat of the pants says I picked up some torque. I am wanting the Fitsgerald motorsports Cut Throat pipe when funds allow hahaha.

CVOStreetglide · « **Reply #20 on:** March 16, 2015, 11:48:10 AM »

Quote from: smkblwr on March 16, 2015, 06:55:39 AM

I have a 2012 NRS, 118hp 83ft/lbs."normal numbers for the 1250cc with a pipe" with the tab slip ons and inclosed air box, TTS tuner. I liked the tab's, they had a good sound and look. you can pick up 1or2 HP with the topless mod but you get some throttle body noise. I am a 2-1 exhaust guy and stumbled across a D&D pipe, haven't had it on the dyno but seat of the pants says I picked up some torque. I am wanting the Fitsgerald motorsports Cut Throat pipe when funds allow hahaha.

FWIW: Cary Faas makes a Great 2 into 1 pipe too. I had one on my 2002 1350 big bore and was very happy with the quality, performance and customer service.

Author Topic: V-ROD PIPES (Read 18114 times)